Scandinavians in Montana: An Annotated Bibliography

SCANDINAVIANS IN MONTANA: AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
BONNIE E. JOHNSON
The following bibliography lists sources that discuss Scandina­vians
in Montana. While many of the references are biographical in nature, there are also those that list, in more general terms, the contributions of the Scandinavian peoples to the development of Montana. For purposes of this bibliography, "Scandinavians" has been defined to include people from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. With the exception of the newspapers, the materials have been restricted to those written in English. Sources dealing with the early settlement of Montana up to present-day activities of the state's Scandinavians have been included, so as to present as comprehensive a listing as possible. Other documents that discuss Scandinavians in Montana probably do exist, but every attempt has been made to make this bibliography a complete one, within the given limitations. The annotations vary in length, as do the documents. In the case of many oral histories and manuscript collections, the libraries that hold these materials have often described them so well that their descriptions have simply been quoted.
Several books mention Scandinavians and their influence on Montana but contain only small amounts of information. These have not been included in the bibliography but will be briefly mentioned here. Kendric C. Babcock's The Scandinavian Element in the United States provides statistics as to numbers of Danes, Norwegians, and Swedes living in each state during specified periods of time, Montana included.1 In Danes in North America, Frederick Hale notes that in 1900 Danes were present in every county in the state;2 while in The Changing West and Other Essays Laurence M. Larson points out that in 1924 the governor elected in Montana was of Norwegian back­ground,
illustrating the growing political strength of ethnic minori­ties.
3 In The Promise of America: A History of the Norwegian-American People, Odd S. Lovoll states that "around 1900, Norwegian pioneers moved into eastern Montana. Others took part in the excavation of mineral riches in western Montana, Idaho, and eastern Colorado."4 He also discusses the impact of the railroad on Montana settlement, including the coming of the Northern Pacific in 1880 and of the Great Northern a decade later: "Norwegian settlers took land on both sides of the tracks."5 Finally, Lovoll describes the anger of the Sons of Norway Lodge in Great Falls generated by William L. Harding's proclamation of 1918 that "prohibited the use of anything but the English language."6
A r a i l r o a d c o n s t r u c t i o n crew in t h e M o n t a n a T e r r i t o r y i n 1887.
( C o u r t e s y of t h e G r e a t N o r t h e r n R a i l w a y .)
This bibliography includes books, articles, manuscripts, tape recordings, and a map. One hopes that it will inspire others to conduct further research on the Scandinavians in Montana.
NOTES
1 Babcock, Kendric Charles, The Scandinavian Element in the United States (Urbana, Ill., 1914), 211-16. Frederick Hale, ed, Danes in North America (Seattle, Wash., 1984), 57.
'Laurence M. Larson, The Changing West and Other Essays (Freeport, N.Y., 1937), 13.]
4 Odd S. Lovoll, The Promise of America: A History of Norwegian-American People (Minneapolis, 1984), 85-86.
5 Ibid., 93. 6Ibid., 193.
Abbreviations
BPA = Butte Public Archives, Butte
MHSL = Montana Historical Society Library, Helena
MGBSC = Merrill G. Burlingame Special Collections, Renne Library, Montana State University, Bozeman
MSU = Montana State University-Bozeman
UM = University of Montana, Mansfield Library, Missoula
WPA = Work Projects Administration, or Works Progress Adminis­tration
Books
Benson, Adolph B., and Naboth Hedin, eds. Swedes in America, 1638-1938. New York: Haskell House, 1969.
This book includes a short section titled "Swedes of the Mountain Section," which gives numbers of Swedes in the Mountain states, Montana included. More specifically, it also lists the numbers of Swedes living in the Butte-Anaconda and Great Falls regions.
Bergmann, Leola Nelson. Americans From Norway. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1950.
This book contains an informative chapter on Norwegians who came to Montana. Bergmann discusses their occupations and settlement patterns and provides short biographical sketches of several Montana Norwegians including Anton M. Holter, "one of the state's leading pioneers" who became involved in the lumber and mining industries. She also briefly describes the lives of less "glamor-ous" Norwegians and the experiences of the Lutheran missionary, P. J. Reinertson, who "established the first Norwegian Lutheran church in Montana."
Bjork, Kenneth O. West of the Great Divide: Norwegian Migration to the Pacific Coast, 1847-1893. Northfield, Minn.: Norwegian-American Historical Association, 1958.
This work contains a large amount of information on the role of Norwegians in the mining and mineral industries of Montana, including the story of Anton M. Holter, "the greatest success story of the Montana gold region." Bjork also discusses the Norwegians' involvement with the railroad and how they acquired land in Montana. Statistical information is interwoven with interesting stories about the Norwegian people who settled in Montana.
Burlingame, Merrill G., and K. Ross Toole. A History of Montana. 3 vols. New York: Lewis Historical Publishing, 1957.
In volumes one and two of this set, Burlingame and Toole give a brief description of the numbers of Scandinavians in Montana in 1920, where they tended to settle, and how they influenced politics in the state. Also included are statistics relating to Scandinavian churches established in Montana.
Fisher, Valborg. The Fabulous Fourth: Sons of Norway, 1970-1982. Mandan, N.D.: Fourth District, Sons of Norway, 1984.
This is a comprehensive history of the District IV Lodge of the Sons of Norway from 1970 to 1982. The district encompasses Montana, North Dakota, and parts of Canada. In addition to historical sketches of this organization, the book also describes present-day activities of its various groups.
Fuhrman, Diane. Swedish Immigrants Living in Montana, 1900. Bozeman, Mont.: D. Fuhrman, 1989.
This is a comprehensive listing of Swedish-born people living in Montana in 1900. The data can be found in an alphabetical listing as well as in one by county and family group. The information includes names, relations, ages, birth dates, occupations, and gender. A map is also provided.
. Swedish Immigrants Living in Montana, 1880. Bozeman, Mont:
D. Fuhrman, 1988. . Swedish Immigrants Living in Montana, 1870. Bozeman, Mont:
D. Fuhrman.
These books are listings of Swedish-born people living in Montana, respectively in 1880 and 1870. They include the kind of information found in the work pertaining to 1900.
Greenfield, Elizabeth. On the Heels of the Buffalo. N. p., 1980.
This is the story of the Nelson family of Denmark who emigrated to Minnesota in 1866. They moved to Montana in 1881 and became active in cattle and sheep ranching. It is especially a chronicle of the life of Ann Marie Nelson, born in Denmark, and her son, Henry.
Hought, Anna Guttormsen, with Florence Ekstrand. Anna: Norse Roots in Homestead Soil. Seattle, Wash.: Welcome Press, 1986.
Anna Guttormsen Hought left Kristiania, Norway, in 1916 to "homestead, alone, on the windswept prairies of northern Montana." Many of her stories are taken from journals, letters, and calendar pages. Others were told to and written by Florence Ekstrand. "As a single woman homesteader, Anna began to live her brave life on the prairie. She set up housekeeping and began 'to make things nice.' She proceeded to fence, beside her brother John, 640 acres without the aid of horses or wagons. She married. She bore children and suffered through the death of one." Anna is a remarkable account of one woman's courage and a "dramatic period of Western history."
Jorgensen, Henry. The Way It Was. Helena, Mont.: Falcon Press Pub., 1989.
Henry Jorgensen's parents came to Montana from Denmark to farm in the northeastern part of the state. This is a story not only of Henry and his growth to manhood in Montana, but also the story of his brothers, sisters, and parents as they struggled to "wrest a home from the dry farmland." It is also a story of Dagmar, "a unique Montana farm community in which a generation of Scandinavian immigrants evolved into Americans."
. The Way to My Destiny: The School Years. Helena, Mont.:
Falcon Press Pub., 1990.
This book focuses on Henry Jorgensen's education and on further aspects of this Danish American's life beyond his boyhood in Dagmar, Montana. Kastrup, Allan. The Swedish Heritage in America: The Swedish Element in America and American-Swedish Relations in Their Historical Perspective. Saint Paul, Minn.: Swedish Council of America, 1975.
Chapter 23 of this book is titled "In the Rocky Mountains," and it includes several pages devoted to the Swedish element in Montana. The focus is on the role that members of this ethnic group have played in the political life of the state. Notable persons in this regard include the Swedish immigrant J. Hugo Aronson, who served as governor of Montana from 1953 to 1960, and his Swedish-American successor Forrest H. Anderson, who served from 1969 to 1972.
Kohrs, Conrad. Conrad Kohrs: An Autobiography. Deer Lodge, Mont.: Platen Press, 1977.
Conrad Kohrs made several trips to America in his youth while working on Danish ships. He liked the United States and eventually settled permanently in this country. He came to Montana in 1862. Kohrs was an "advocate of law and order, cattleman, businessman, miner, and sometime politician. He was intensely proud of his Americanization and as a United States citizen worked for the orderly development of the Territory."
Landelius, Otto Robert, Karin Franzén, trans., Raymond Jarvi, ed. Swedish Place-Names in North America. Carbondale, Ill.: Southern Illinois University Press, 1985.
The two-page chapter on Montana includes entries and infor­mation
on six geographic and one place-name of Swedish origin in the state.
Larsen, Arthur C. Next Year Will Be Better. Sioux Falls, S.D.: Center for Western Studies, 1980.
This is the story of Lars and Inger Sorensen and their family, "pioneers in the Danish community of Dagmar. It is part fiction, part truth, reflecting at times the lives of all the pioneers in this Danish community. It portrays their neighborliness, their happy times, their tragedies, their successes and failures."
Nelson, Helge. The Swedes and the Swedish Settlements in North America. 2 vols. Lund: C.W.K. Gleerup, 1943.
In this work, Nelson includes a separate section on "Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho," in which he discusses the role of Swedes in the
settlement of Montana and their continued importance to the state. He also includes several biographical sketches of Montana Swedes
and provides a map showing how many Swedes lived in each county for the years 1910,1920, and 1930.
Nielsen, George R. The Danish Americans. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1981.
This book includes a two-page section on the Danish communities and people of Montana. Decisions for coming to the state, land prices and availability, numbers of Danes and where they settled, and churches established are among the topics discussed.
Ostberg, J. D. "The Scandinavians of Older Butte," in Sketches of Old Butte. Butte, Mont.: J. D. Ostberg, 1972.
In this chapter, Ostberg discusses the contributions of Scandina­vians
to the development of Butte. They were known to be "coop­erative,
friendly, and dependable," and "were diversified in their talents and interests." They were involved in the mining, milling, and lumbering industries, and many were employed as artisans.
Program, Thirty-Ninth Convention, District Lodge No. 7 of the Scandi­navian
Fraternity of America, Butte, Montana, June 18-19-20,1970. Butte, Mont., 1970. BPA, Butte.
This program of the thirty-ninth meeting lists convention activities and district officers. It also includes a brief discussion of the word "smorgasbord" and traditional smorgasbord foods.
Qualey, Carlton C. Norwegian Settlement in the United States. New York: Arno Press and the New York Times, 1970.
Qualey describes the role of the railroads in bringing Norwegians to the Midwest and Montana. He tells which northeastern counties contained "Norwegian agricultural settlements" and discusses Norwegian involvement in the mineral industries of western Montana.
Raymer, Robert George. Montana, the Land and the People. 3 vols. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Company, 1930.
A short biography of E. F. Madsen, one of the organizers of the Danish community of Dagmar, is provided in volume three of this set. Dagmar consisted originally of seven Danes who settled on the land as squatters. Madsen was born in Denmark and came to America in 1878. In 1906 he moved to Montana. He was a pioneer, farmer, educator, painter, and writer.
Schuessler, Thelma. History of District Lodge Number Seven, Scandi­navian
Fraternity of America. Butte, Mont, 1962. BPA, Butte.
This booklet gives a brief history of the Scandinavian Fraternity of America, the "consolidation of three orders, namely, the Scandinavian Aid and Fellowship Society, the Western Scandinavian Brotherhood of America, and the Eastern Scandinavian Brotherhood of America, which took place in 1915." The booklet focuses on the history and activities of Lodge Number Seven.
Westman, Erik G., and E. Gustav Johnson, eds. The Swedish Element in America: A Comprehensive History of Swedish-American Achievements from 1638 to the Present Day. 3 vols. Chicago: Swedish-American Biographical Society, 1931.
In the first volume of this series, three pages are devoted to the Swedish immigrants of "Idaho and Montana" with descriptions of the pioneering activities of the Swedish Mission Covenant and Swedish Baptist churches in the latter state. A four-volume second edition of this work was published in 1934.
Youngquist, Erick H. America Fever: A Swede in the West, 1914-1923. Nashville, Tenn.: Voyageur Publishing Company, 1988.
Erick Youngquist came to southwestern Montana after World War I and "staked" a claim. He spent time "building his cabin by hand, chinking in the cracks between the logs as the temperature plunged to -55 degrees, 'proving up' on his claim, educating himself by endless reading during solitary days and nights, [and] earning money by taking summer work on other ranches." Youngquist left Montana in 1923 after gaining title to his homestead.
Journal Articles
Anderson, Avis R. "Pastor on the Prairie." Montana, the Magazine of Western History 24 (1974): 36-54.
This is the story of Christian Scriver Thorpe, a Norwegian Lutheran minister who came to eastern Montana in 1906. The article is based on letters written to Thorpe's family in Minnesota between 1906 and 1908. "They provide an engaging and informative account of Thorpe's struggles and triumphs in his prairie parish at the height of the homestead period."
Arestad, Sverre, ed. "Pioneering in Montana." Norwegian-American Studies 22 (1965): 104-43.
This is a narrative of the pioneering years of Endre Bergsagel, a young Norwegian immigrant who settled near Malta, Montana, in the Larb Hills in 1913. In the story, "he has recorded his experiences in this mixed settlement of Danes, Norwegians, Swedes, and people of other national origins. Some attention is also given to his nomadic existence during his first two years in America, an interesting illustration of the pattern of Norwegian settlement in this country."
Farr, William E. "Sollid Wants to See You: George Sollid, Homestead Locator." Montana, the Magazine of Western History 29 (1979): 16-27.
George Sollid, a Norwegian immigrant who eventually settled in Dutton, Montana, had a flair for promoting land. For twenty-five dollars, he would locate land for homesteaders in the Dutton area. His career lasted from about 1909 to 1913. This is the story not only of Sollid and his successful business in Dutton, but a description of the role of "locators" in the homestead era of 1900-1917 who brought many Scandinavians to Montana.
Johnson, Emeroy. "The Beginnings of Swedish Lutheran Church Work in Montana." Swedish-American Historical Quarterly 35 (1984): 151-61.
This article discusses the origins of the Swedish Lutheran Church in Montana, focusing particularly on the efforts of the Rev. Eric Norelius and the Swedish Lutheran Augustana Synod. An account of the "first Swedish Lutheran services ever held in Montana" is included.
Madsen, E. F. "Dagmar: A New Danish Colony Established in Valley County, Montana." The Searchlight. N. d. Copy in MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
A short, personal narrative concerning the founding of the Dagmar colony in northeastern Montana. Madsen "made a trip through North Dakota and Montana with this in view—to find an open stretch of free land where [he] could place a few hundred Danish homes."
. "On the Pioneer Trails of the Northwest: The Dagmar Colony
in Eastern Montana." Scandinavia (June, 1924). Copy in MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
This article discusses the founding of Dagmar, Montana, including the staking of claims, moving out to the prairie, and the hardships encountered. An account of how settlers were encouraged to come to Dagmar is also provided.
Merrian, H. G. "Ethnic Settlement of Montana." Pacific Historical Review 12 (1943): 157-68.
This article briefly discusses how many Scandinavians were persuaded to come to Montana by "agents" who distributed pam­phlets
in the Scandinavian countries describing the wonders of the state and also contacted immigrants "as they landed." The numbers of Norwegians and Swedes living in Montana in the late 1800s and early 1900s are also mentioned.
Vindex, Charles. "Radical Rule in Montana: The Agonizing Years." Montana, the Magazine of Western History 18 (1968): 3-18.
This article discusses the politics of Sheridan County, Montana, in the 1920s. It was settled extensively by "people of the Scandinavian stocks." In the 1920s, "the town [of Plentywood] and county became widely known as the only American community actually governed by 'reds' who, far from concealing their radicalism, proclaimed it through the columns of a uniquely militant newspaper, the Producers News. " The Scandinavians "already had a tradition of social experi­mentation
together with fine organizing talent."
Newspaper Articles
Bumann, Marcia. "Great Falls History Teacher Receives High Norwegian Honor." Great Falls Tribune (Friday, 28 September 1979).
Erling Oksenholt, a Great Falls high school teacher, received the St. Olaf Medal for "outstanding work in promoting Norwegian education, communication and brotherhood abroad." Oksenholt, a native of Norway, "established the Overseas Summer School Program at Sandefjord, Norway, to give American students an opportunity to study and travel in Norway."
Denning, Fran. "The Settling of Montana Was Not for Pantywaists." Three Forks Herald (Thursday, 16 December 1982): 5.
This article briefly discusses the immigrants who settled Montana. It also includes the story of Bertha Josephson Anderson who, with "her husband Peter and their children, were among the first Danish families to settle close to the North Dakota border. Mrs. Anderson's account of the Atlantic voyage and adjustment to homestead life echoed sentiments of thousands of pilgrims who settled this state."
Donovan, Robert. 'Trip to U.S. Was Clear Sailing, but Farm Life Had Its Ups and Downs." Great Falls Tribune (Saturday, 10 May 1981).
This is the story of Ole and Inga Olson, who came to Montana from Norway. They homesteaded in central Montana, southeast of Grass Range, and eventually had sixteen children. Inga tells of the hardships faced and interesting aspects of their daily lives. "Mrs. Olson baked the family bread supply and this often meant as many as 16 loaves a week plus rolls and cinnamon buns."
. "You'll Be Dead By Morning." Great Falls Tribune (Sunday, 11
January 1970).
Svend Northeim, a native of Norway, came to central Montana in 1895. He relates anecdotes from his life as a sheep herder and working with "large sheep outfits."
Flynn, William. "Story of Peter Haelstrom, Who Killed Giant Bear Near Warm Springs: Reward Was Offered for Animal Which Wrought Havoc Among Cattle and Sheep: Battle With Bruin Cost Swede His Life." The Hardin Tribune-Herald (Friday, 1 June 1934).
This is the story of Peter Haelstrom "only two months from his native Sweden." In 1881, he and two of his countrymen decided to hunt for a bear to win the reward offered for its death. They found the bear, but it attacked Haelstrom who later died of his injuries.
"Order of Vasa to Celebrate Annual Holiday Saturday." The Butte Miner (Friday, 17 September 1926).
This article focuses on the "Butte people of Swedish descent" who joined with "Swedish people in all parts of America in celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of the founding of the Vasa Order of America." The celebration is discussed and a brief history of the Vasa Order is given.
Saunders, Sally. "Anund Roheim Fiddles Around Like the Devil." Great Falls Tribune (1 December 1978).
Anund Roheim, a Hardanger violin master, had been playing for fifty-eight years. Roheim came to the United States from Norway in 1950, eventually settling in Great Falls, Montana. He specialized in folk songs played on his Hardanger violin, the national instrument of Norway.
"Scandinavian Fraternity Has Deep Roots in State." Great Falls Tribune (Sunday, 7 June 1964): 8-9.
. This article discusses the Butte and Great Falls lodges of the Scandinavian Fraternity of America. A brief history of the lodges, their organization, and present activities is included.
Smith, Barb. "Norwegians to Celebrate Independence Day Monday." Bozeman Chronicle (12 May 1982).
The article discusses the activities of the Sons of Norway Bozeman Lodge "Fjelldal (Mountain Valley)," which was chartered on 13 December 1974. One of the annual events is the celebration of "Syttende Mai," the Norwegian Independence Day.
Unpublished Materials
Anderson, Avis R. "Scandinavians and Lutherans in Custer County and Dawson County, Montana." M.A. diss., Utah State University, 1974.
"The purpose of this paper is to chronicle the growth and development of Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive, Montana, from its earliest inception to 1960. It is also to record a portion of the history of First Lutheran Church in Miles City, Montana, in [its] relation to Zion Lutheran. At the same time, it is the purpose of this paper to underscore the importance of the Scandinavian contributions to Eastern Montana through the process of immigration and natural­ization."
"Ethnic groups, Montana, August 2, 1938." MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Statistics such as how many Norwegians in 1930 were of foreign birth and where the Scandinavians settled in Montana are presented in this document. Also discussed are Christmas customs and holidays celebrated commemorating Scandinavian historical events.
Erickson, John E. Papers. MHSL, Helena. Manuscript Collection 149. "John E. Erickson was the Governor of Montana from 1924 until 1933, and a U.S. Senator from 1933 to 1934." This "collection (1883-1958) consists of correspondence, speeches, subject files, scrapbooks, clippings, photographs, and miscellaneous mementos. Topics discussed include various campaigns and elections, the Democratic Party, Helena local history, the opening of Yellowstone National Park, the Custer Battlefield anniversary, Norwegian Americans, and Mrs. Burton K. Wheeler."
"Fraternal Organizations." MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
These documents, included with the WPA reports, provide information concerning Scandinavian organizations in Montana in 1938 and 1939. The information includes officers of the organization, when it was founded, goals, mottos, etc. Organizations discussed include the Plentywood Lutheran Brotherhood, Sons of Norway Lodge (Antelope), Danish Brotherhood (Dagmar), Freja Club (Dagmar), Danish Sisterhood (Dagmar) and the Young People's Society (Dagmar).
Grimsby, O. M. "The Contributions of the Scandinavian and Ger­manic
People to the Development of Montana." M.A. diss., Montana State University, 1926. ^
Grimsby discusses the role of Scandinavians in the development of the state, including their contributions to the mining, lumbering, and agricultural industries. Various biographical sketches of Scan­dinavians
in Montana are provided as well as immigration patterns and the role of missions and churches in the development of the Territory.
Jorgensen, Jorgen. Family papers. MHSL, Helena, Small Collection 178.
"Jorgen Jorgensen was born in Denmark in 1856, and arrived in Dagmar, Montana, in 1908. [The] papers consist of a typed autobi­ography
(written in 1938 and translated by Henry Jorgensen in 1958), a reminiscence (n.d.) by Otto Jorgensen and a diary (1921) of Dagny Elisabet Jorgensen. Dagny Jorgensen's diary describes a threshing crew headed by Thomas Sundsted."
Jorgensen, Niels and Ella. Papers. MHSL, Helena. Small Collection 2005.
"Niels Jorgensen and Ella Jorgensen were Danish-American residents of Dagmar, Montana. [The] papers contain typed and handwritten translations of incoming letters (1916-1956) from relatives in Denmark and the United States. The letters document family history and the history of Danish immigrants in Iowa, Minnesota, and Montana. There is also a translation of a portion of a diary (author unknown) describing a trip to Arkansas in 1895 and to Denmark in 1900."
Kure, Nels. Papers. MHSL, Helena. Small Collection 1757.
"Nels Kure was a resident of Helena, Montana. [The] papers include five letters to Kure family members, three of [which] are in Norwegian. There is also a program for a 'Banquet in Honor of our Soldiers,' Lennep, Montana, 1919, a handwritten play and a poem. There is also a play printed in Danish."
Lutheran Church papers. Microfilm. MHSL, Helena. Microfilm 111.
"This collection (1898-1955) consists of general correspondence, reminiscent letters and short historical sketches and biographies of Lutheran parishes and pastors in Montana. There are also runs of several Lutheran Church publications, and minutes (1922-1955) of the Home Mission Committee of the Rocky Mountain District of the Norwegian Lutheran Church."
Madsen, Niels. "Church histories." MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
These short essays compiled in 1939 provide a history of three Scandinavian churches in Montana; the Norwegian-Dovre Church located near Reserve, Montana, the Emaus Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Coalridge, Montana, and "a short history of the twenty-five years of work among the Lutherans of the Plentywood Parish, 1910-1935." The last document was "copied from a booklet written by Rev. O. M. Simundson, former pastor of this congrega­tion."
Madsen, Niels, comp. "The Dagmar Colony." MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
This is a collection of letters and documents relating to the organizing and settling of the Dagmar community. It includes an advertisement concerning the colony that was "copied from the Searchlight, Culbertson, Montana, Jan. 31, 1907." Some of the letters are by or about E. F. Madsen, one of the founders.
Norwegian-American Oil Company. Records. MHSL, Helena. Small Collection 1047. "The Norwegian-American Oil Company was a Harlowton, Montana oil drilling firm, owned primarily by stockholders from Kristiania, Norway. Records (1916-1919) consist of correspondence, organizational materials, and financial records."
Olsen, Lance. Papers. MHSL, Helena. Small Collection 1926.
"Lance Olsen worked at the Boulder River School and was one of the founders of the Wilderness Psychology Group and the Great Bear Foundation. [The] collection consists of correspondence (1977-1981) about environmental issues; writings (1981) about Olsen's career; and miscellany, including an Olsen-Weiberg family genealogy, and materials (1919-1986) about the Norwegian families of Olaf Olevius Olsen, Ben Benson, and Swan Thorson."
O'Loughlin, Ray. "Sven Undem—Prairie County History." MGBSC-
MSU-Bozeman.
Sven Undem was born in Norway in 1873 and came to the United States in 1892. He lived in Minnesota for a while and then moved back to Norway. He returned to the United States, coming to herd sheep near Glendive, Montana. With his brother Nels, he eventually owned and operated a large sheep ranch. He died in 1939.
"Racial Elements, Montana State Guide." MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
This document discusses Scandinavians who came to Montana after the advent of the railroad. Occupations, places of settlement, and percentages of the "foreign-born" are among the facts presented. Language use, i.e., Danish, Norwegian, etc. in certain towns such as Dagmar is discussed as well.
Rorvik, Peter. "Pete's Story." MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Personal reminiscences of Peter Rorvik, who was bom in Vigra (or Vigero), Norway, and came to the United States (Minnesota) in 1889 at the age of 22 to join his sister, Anna. He moved to Montana in 1893 with his wife, Maria, and daughter, Ella. In 1899 they returned to Minnesota but moved back to Montana in 1900. Most of his life was spent in the vicinity of Circle, Montana. He owned a store for a while and also worked in the sheep industry. He and his wife had six children. Maria died in 1920 and Rorvik remarried in 1939.
Stenson, John Reynolds. "Foreign-Born Population in Montana, 1870-1900." M.A. thesis, Montana State University, 1956. In this dissertation, Stenson includes sections on the "Norwegian, English, and Welsh" in Montana for the years 1870, 1880, and 1890. He discusses the number of Norwegians and Swedes in relation to other ethnic groups and also includes information relating to occupations of the Norwegians and Swedes in Montana.
WPA. Reports. "Scandinavians." MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
These reports take many forms and contain a wealth of infor­mation.
Some are statistical in nature and incorporate data from the U. S. census reports. They list how many Scandinavians settled in certain towns, how many were of foreign birth, states lived in before coming to Montana, occupations, etc. Much of the information was a result of the project, "Scandinavians in the Northwest, 1861-1939." Some of the "reports" are in the form of letters to regional and state directors, which sometimes discuss those occupations that Scandina­vians
were pursuing in Montana. Also included are several "Ethnic Study Questionnaires" concerning Norwegians in Flathead County. Besides the usual queries as to name and place of birth, the question­naires
include information concerning religious affiliation, education, health conditions, aspirations, and goals for children. A summary of the results is included. The information on these questionnaires was gathered by H. L. Lokensgard in 1939. An "ethnic studies" report is among the papers that list ethnic groups by town (Scandinavians), as well as when the towns were founded and who founded them.
Maps
Anderson, Lucille, comp., assisted by Thorvald Anderson. "Nor­wegian
Settlement at Melville, Mont, Founded in 1881," and "Founding Fathers of Melville Lutheran Church, Founded in 1885." MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
This map shows the Norwegian settlement of Melville as well as where the homes of the "founding fathers of Melville Lutheran Church" were located. The back of the map has a short history of Melville, which was "known first as the 'Norwegian Settlement,' but later as The Settlement.'" The community was organized in 1881 by Norwegians from Fillmore County, Minnesota. The establishment of the first Lutheran Church, Ladies Aid, and Sunday School is also discussed. Lists of the "Founding Fathers" and "Families of the Norwegian Settlement who arrived shortly after 1885 and were active in the church" are provided.
Oral Histories
Anderson, Margaret. Interview by Clara B. Heffern, 8 September 1986. Tape recording, MHSL, Helena. Oral History 976.
A resident of Great Falls, Montana, Margaret Anderson describes her Great Falls neighborhood in the early twentieth century and her Norwegian heritage.
Christensen, Minnie Sampson. Interview by Laurie Mercier, 23 October 1982. Tape recording, MHSL, Helena. Oral History 407.
"Minnie Christensen (1899-1987) discusses her work experiences in Sheridan County, Montana, from the 1910s to the 1940s, as a cook, waitress, maid and farm wife. She also describes the Danish commu­nities
and towns of Reserve and Dagmar."
Danish Oral History Project. Interviews by Rex Myers, 1984. Tape recordings, MHSL, Helena. Oral History 633.
"This collection of twelve interviews centers on individuals of Danish descent in Dagmar and Beaverhead County, Montana. Mette Petersen, Henry Crohn, Ingeborg Crohn, Leonora Johansen, Niels Nielsen, Virgil Andreasen, Ella Sundsted, Esther Christensen, Peter Lodahl, Otto Christensen, Axel Madsen, and John Andersen, Jr., discuss homesteading, sheep ranching, social life, Danish communi­ties,
etc.
Fallan, Kristina. Interview by Kathy White, 12 April 1977. Tape recording, UM, Missoula.
"Mrs. Fallan describes her childhood in Norway, her experiences immigrating to the United States, and her work experiences in Montana, including taking out and working her own homestead."
Fjare, Olaf B. Interview, 10 August 1971. Tape recording, MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman. Audio Tape File 905B.
Olaf Fjare describes how he came to Melville, Montana, from Norway in 1899. He worked for Two Dot Wilson, Paul Van Cleve, and the 79 Ranch. He started his own ranch in 1915 and married in 1917. Melin, Gertrude. Interview by Richard Ness, 1966. Typescript.
MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Gertrude Melin, born of Swedish parents in 1891, was raised on a homestead in "the Yellowstone Valley about 20 miles south of Livingston." Melin recalls amusing incidents from her childhood as well as difficulties and hardships endured. She married at the age of 18 and moved to Bozeman.
Smith, Mabel R. Interview by Matthew Hansen, 8 November 1982. Tape recording, UM, Missoula.
"Mrs. Smith describes the school she attended as a child and talks of her training and experiences teaching in Montana. She also describes her childhood in a Norwegian-American family in Mineral County, Montana."
Vontver, May Anderson. Interview by Esther Murray, 1971-1973. Transcript, MHSL, Helena. Small Collection 958.
"May Vontver discusses her early life as a Swedish immigrant in Nebraska in the early 1900s; teaching and homesteading in central Montana; work in the influenza hospital in Lewistown in 1918; and life in the 1930s with her husband Simon Vontver at the Cat Creek oil fields."
WPA Interviews, 1940-1942
The following interviews were conducted by WPA "Resident workers" as part of the project concerned with "livestock histories" of various counties. The typewritten documents are available in the Merrill G. Burlingame Special Collections at Montana State Univer-
sity-Bozeman.
Carlson, Charles. Interview by C. E. Thompson, 6 January 1941. MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Born in Norway in 1855, Charles Carlson came to the United States in 1879. He spent time in Illinois and Minnesota before coming to Montana in 1889. He worked for the Rocky-Fork Coal Company near Red Lodge until 1894, when he filed on a homestead. Carlson raised shorthorn cattle, building his ranch to a significant operation.
Hereim, Osten E. Interview by C. E. Thompson, 17 March 1941. MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Hereim was born in Norway in 1874 and came to Montana in 1892. He worked as a sheepherder near Castle, Montana, and later for M. T. Grange. He purchased a "section" eighteen miles northwest of Red Lodge and in 1901 sent for his Norwegian "sweetheart." Starting with just a few animals, he eventually built his homestead into a sizable sheep ranch.
Homes, Gunder Iverson. Interview by C. E. Thompson, 2 May 1941. MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
A native of Norway, Gunder Homes came to Montana in 1888. He worked in Meagher County for "sheepmen" before homesteading in Carbon County in 1893, soon after the opening of the Crow Reserva­tion.
He eventually owned a large sheep ranch and was considered one of the most "prosperous men of the county."
Hyem, Louie. Interview by C. E. Thompson, 9 October 1940. MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Louie discusses the life of his father, James, who came to Yel­lowstone
County, Montana, from Norway at the age of 14. James worked on a sheep ranch for the Smith brothers for seven years, studied English, and eventually "engaged in the sheep business in Meagher County." He later leased "considerable" land near Red Lodge and proceeded to establish himself as a sheep rancher and farmer, starting "without capital or help." Louie was operating the ranch in 1940.
Inderland, Samuel. Interviewed by C. E. Thompson, 14 March 1941. MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Born in Norway in 1869, Inderland emigrated to the United States at the age of 18. He worked in the Minnesota woods and then "took up farming" in North Dakota. In 1890 he came to Meagher County, Montana. He homesteaded in Carbon County in 1895, fifteen miles northwest of Red Lodge, where there was "plenty" of range. He owned a large ranch on which he raised sheep. Inderland earned the title, "builder of this county."
Northy, Thomas. Interview by C. E. Thompson, 23 October 1940. MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Thomas Northy was born in Sweden in 1865 and emigrated to the United States when he was 16. He came to Montana in 1883 and worked first for the Northern Pacific Railroad. He then worked at various "mining enterprises" before filing on a homestead in Carbon County in 1890. He "built up [a] herd of about 150 head [of] Durham and Hereford cattle." He also produced clover, alfalfa, and grain and kept "about 25 head [of] Percheon breed horses."
Ostrum, Gunder. Interview by C. E. Thompson, 20 May 1941. MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Gunder Ostrum came to Castle, Montana, from Norway in 1893. He herded sheep for several years and then returned to Norway to "fetch" his bride. He came back to Montana and purchased land in Carbon County. He raised both cattle and sheep but mainly involved himself in the sheep business. He also took "an interest that becomes the true American in educational matters."
Peterson, Andrew, Jr. Interview by Elva R. Howard, 1-15 June 1941. MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Peterson discusses his father, Andrew Peterson, Sr., who was born in Denmark in 1857. He emigrated to Montana and found a location for a ranch near Springdale. He raised cattle at first and entered the sheep business in 1898. Peterson also discusses his father's marriage ., and the "children born to the marriage."
Peterson, Andrew, Sr. Interview by Elva R. Howard, 30 June 1941. MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Mr. and Mrs. Peterson were born in Denmark but brought up in Germany when that country took over a portion of Denmark. Peterson describes his early life in Montana "cooking buffalo meat for a gang of railroad construction workers near Forsyth in 1882." He also describes his ranch and his experiences during the winter of 1919-20.
Rudd, Alfred and Mrs. Rudd. Letter to Elva R. Howard, 7-10 January 1942. MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Mr. and Mrs. Rudd, originally from Norway, "describe their experiences in the cattle and sheep business in the vicinity of Big Timber." They came to the Big Timber area in 1881. This document, though in the form of a letter, is included with the WPA interviews. Scandinavian Newspapers in Montana
Bergs-vaktaren [Swedish]. Helena, Mont.: Ev. Luth. St. Johannes Församlingen, 1898-.
Montana Folkeblad [Norwegian and Danish]. Helena, Mont: H. J. Kopperdahl, October, 1891. Formerly: Montana Statstidende.
Montana Posten [Norwegian and Danish]. Helena, Mont: J. Wessel, 1890-1893.
Montana Skandinav [Danish and Swedish]. Butte, Mont.: Scandinavian Publishing Company, 1893-.
Montana Tidende og Skandinav [Danish and Swedish]. Butte, Mont.: J. Hansen, February, 1894.
It was formed by the union of Montana Tidende and Montana Skandinav.
Indlandsposten [Norwegian]. Great Falls, Mont: Norwegian Press Company, 1915-1916.
Indland Posten
[Norwegian]. Great Falls, Mont.: Norwegian Press Company, 1916-1917.
The Rocky Mountain Skandinavian [English]. Helena Mont: Central Mountain Publishing Company, 1920.

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SCANDINAVIANS IN MONTANA: AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
BONNIE E. JOHNSON
The following bibliography lists sources that discuss Scandina­vians
in Montana. While many of the references are biographical in nature, there are also those that list, in more general terms, the contributions of the Scandinavian peoples to the development of Montana. For purposes of this bibliography, "Scandinavians" has been defined to include people from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. With the exception of the newspapers, the materials have been restricted to those written in English. Sources dealing with the early settlement of Montana up to present-day activities of the state's Scandinavians have been included, so as to present as comprehensive a listing as possible. Other documents that discuss Scandinavians in Montana probably do exist, but every attempt has been made to make this bibliography a complete one, within the given limitations. The annotations vary in length, as do the documents. In the case of many oral histories and manuscript collections, the libraries that hold these materials have often described them so well that their descriptions have simply been quoted.
Several books mention Scandinavians and their influence on Montana but contain only small amounts of information. These have not been included in the bibliography but will be briefly mentioned here. Kendric C. Babcock's The Scandinavian Element in the United States provides statistics as to numbers of Danes, Norwegians, and Swedes living in each state during specified periods of time, Montana included.1 In Danes in North America, Frederick Hale notes that in 1900 Danes were present in every county in the state;2 while in The Changing West and Other Essays Laurence M. Larson points out that in 1924 the governor elected in Montana was of Norwegian back­ground,
illustrating the growing political strength of ethnic minori­ties.
3 In The Promise of America: A History of the Norwegian-American People, Odd S. Lovoll states that "around 1900, Norwegian pioneers moved into eastern Montana. Others took part in the excavation of mineral riches in western Montana, Idaho, and eastern Colorado."4 He also discusses the impact of the railroad on Montana settlement, including the coming of the Northern Pacific in 1880 and of the Great Northern a decade later: "Norwegian settlers took land on both sides of the tracks."5 Finally, Lovoll describes the anger of the Sons of Norway Lodge in Great Falls generated by William L. Harding's proclamation of 1918 that "prohibited the use of anything but the English language."6
A r a i l r o a d c o n s t r u c t i o n crew in t h e M o n t a n a T e r r i t o r y i n 1887.
( C o u r t e s y of t h e G r e a t N o r t h e r n R a i l w a y .)
This bibliography includes books, articles, manuscripts, tape recordings, and a map. One hopes that it will inspire others to conduct further research on the Scandinavians in Montana.
NOTES
1 Babcock, Kendric Charles, The Scandinavian Element in the United States (Urbana, Ill., 1914), 211-16. Frederick Hale, ed, Danes in North America (Seattle, Wash., 1984), 57.
'Laurence M. Larson, The Changing West and Other Essays (Freeport, N.Y., 1937), 13.]
4 Odd S. Lovoll, The Promise of America: A History of Norwegian-American People (Minneapolis, 1984), 85-86.
5 Ibid., 93. 6Ibid., 193.
Abbreviations
BPA = Butte Public Archives, Butte
MHSL = Montana Historical Society Library, Helena
MGBSC = Merrill G. Burlingame Special Collections, Renne Library, Montana State University, Bozeman
MSU = Montana State University-Bozeman
UM = University of Montana, Mansfield Library, Missoula
WPA = Work Projects Administration, or Works Progress Adminis­tration
Books
Benson, Adolph B., and Naboth Hedin, eds. Swedes in America, 1638-1938. New York: Haskell House, 1969.
This book includes a short section titled "Swedes of the Mountain Section," which gives numbers of Swedes in the Mountain states, Montana included. More specifically, it also lists the numbers of Swedes living in the Butte-Anaconda and Great Falls regions.
Bergmann, Leola Nelson. Americans From Norway. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1950.
This book contains an informative chapter on Norwegians who came to Montana. Bergmann discusses their occupations and settlement patterns and provides short biographical sketches of several Montana Norwegians including Anton M. Holter, "one of the state's leading pioneers" who became involved in the lumber and mining industries. She also briefly describes the lives of less "glamor-ous" Norwegians and the experiences of the Lutheran missionary, P. J. Reinertson, who "established the first Norwegian Lutheran church in Montana."
Bjork, Kenneth O. West of the Great Divide: Norwegian Migration to the Pacific Coast, 1847-1893. Northfield, Minn.: Norwegian-American Historical Association, 1958.
This work contains a large amount of information on the role of Norwegians in the mining and mineral industries of Montana, including the story of Anton M. Holter, "the greatest success story of the Montana gold region." Bjork also discusses the Norwegians' involvement with the railroad and how they acquired land in Montana. Statistical information is interwoven with interesting stories about the Norwegian people who settled in Montana.
Burlingame, Merrill G., and K. Ross Toole. A History of Montana. 3 vols. New York: Lewis Historical Publishing, 1957.
In volumes one and two of this set, Burlingame and Toole give a brief description of the numbers of Scandinavians in Montana in 1920, where they tended to settle, and how they influenced politics in the state. Also included are statistics relating to Scandinavian churches established in Montana.
Fisher, Valborg. The Fabulous Fourth: Sons of Norway, 1970-1982. Mandan, N.D.: Fourth District, Sons of Norway, 1984.
This is a comprehensive history of the District IV Lodge of the Sons of Norway from 1970 to 1982. The district encompasses Montana, North Dakota, and parts of Canada. In addition to historical sketches of this organization, the book also describes present-day activities of its various groups.
Fuhrman, Diane. Swedish Immigrants Living in Montana, 1900. Bozeman, Mont.: D. Fuhrman, 1989.
This is a comprehensive listing of Swedish-born people living in Montana in 1900. The data can be found in an alphabetical listing as well as in one by county and family group. The information includes names, relations, ages, birth dates, occupations, and gender. A map is also provided.
. Swedish Immigrants Living in Montana, 1880. Bozeman, Mont:
D. Fuhrman, 1988. . Swedish Immigrants Living in Montana, 1870. Bozeman, Mont:
D. Fuhrman.
These books are listings of Swedish-born people living in Montana, respectively in 1880 and 1870. They include the kind of information found in the work pertaining to 1900.
Greenfield, Elizabeth. On the Heels of the Buffalo. N. p., 1980.
This is the story of the Nelson family of Denmark who emigrated to Minnesota in 1866. They moved to Montana in 1881 and became active in cattle and sheep ranching. It is especially a chronicle of the life of Ann Marie Nelson, born in Denmark, and her son, Henry.
Hought, Anna Guttormsen, with Florence Ekstrand. Anna: Norse Roots in Homestead Soil. Seattle, Wash.: Welcome Press, 1986.
Anna Guttormsen Hought left Kristiania, Norway, in 1916 to "homestead, alone, on the windswept prairies of northern Montana." Many of her stories are taken from journals, letters, and calendar pages. Others were told to and written by Florence Ekstrand. "As a single woman homesteader, Anna began to live her brave life on the prairie. She set up housekeeping and began 'to make things nice.' She proceeded to fence, beside her brother John, 640 acres without the aid of horses or wagons. She married. She bore children and suffered through the death of one." Anna is a remarkable account of one woman's courage and a "dramatic period of Western history."
Jorgensen, Henry. The Way It Was. Helena, Mont.: Falcon Press Pub., 1989.
Henry Jorgensen's parents came to Montana from Denmark to farm in the northeastern part of the state. This is a story not only of Henry and his growth to manhood in Montana, but also the story of his brothers, sisters, and parents as they struggled to "wrest a home from the dry farmland." It is also a story of Dagmar, "a unique Montana farm community in which a generation of Scandinavian immigrants evolved into Americans."
. The Way to My Destiny: The School Years. Helena, Mont.:
Falcon Press Pub., 1990.
This book focuses on Henry Jorgensen's education and on further aspects of this Danish American's life beyond his boyhood in Dagmar, Montana. Kastrup, Allan. The Swedish Heritage in America: The Swedish Element in America and American-Swedish Relations in Their Historical Perspective. Saint Paul, Minn.: Swedish Council of America, 1975.
Chapter 23 of this book is titled "In the Rocky Mountains," and it includes several pages devoted to the Swedish element in Montana. The focus is on the role that members of this ethnic group have played in the political life of the state. Notable persons in this regard include the Swedish immigrant J. Hugo Aronson, who served as governor of Montana from 1953 to 1960, and his Swedish-American successor Forrest H. Anderson, who served from 1969 to 1972.
Kohrs, Conrad. Conrad Kohrs: An Autobiography. Deer Lodge, Mont.: Platen Press, 1977.
Conrad Kohrs made several trips to America in his youth while working on Danish ships. He liked the United States and eventually settled permanently in this country. He came to Montana in 1862. Kohrs was an "advocate of law and order, cattleman, businessman, miner, and sometime politician. He was intensely proud of his Americanization and as a United States citizen worked for the orderly development of the Territory."
Landelius, Otto Robert, Karin Franzén, trans., Raymond Jarvi, ed. Swedish Place-Names in North America. Carbondale, Ill.: Southern Illinois University Press, 1985.
The two-page chapter on Montana includes entries and infor­mation
on six geographic and one place-name of Swedish origin in the state.
Larsen, Arthur C. Next Year Will Be Better. Sioux Falls, S.D.: Center for Western Studies, 1980.
This is the story of Lars and Inger Sorensen and their family, "pioneers in the Danish community of Dagmar. It is part fiction, part truth, reflecting at times the lives of all the pioneers in this Danish community. It portrays their neighborliness, their happy times, their tragedies, their successes and failures."
Nelson, Helge. The Swedes and the Swedish Settlements in North America. 2 vols. Lund: C.W.K. Gleerup, 1943.
In this work, Nelson includes a separate section on "Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho," in which he discusses the role of Swedes in the
settlement of Montana and their continued importance to the state. He also includes several biographical sketches of Montana Swedes
and provides a map showing how many Swedes lived in each county for the years 1910,1920, and 1930.
Nielsen, George R. The Danish Americans. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1981.
This book includes a two-page section on the Danish communities and people of Montana. Decisions for coming to the state, land prices and availability, numbers of Danes and where they settled, and churches established are among the topics discussed.
Ostberg, J. D. "The Scandinavians of Older Butte," in Sketches of Old Butte. Butte, Mont.: J. D. Ostberg, 1972.
In this chapter, Ostberg discusses the contributions of Scandina­vians
to the development of Butte. They were known to be "coop­erative,
friendly, and dependable," and "were diversified in their talents and interests." They were involved in the mining, milling, and lumbering industries, and many were employed as artisans.
Program, Thirty-Ninth Convention, District Lodge No. 7 of the Scandi­navian
Fraternity of America, Butte, Montana, June 18-19-20,1970. Butte, Mont., 1970. BPA, Butte.
This program of the thirty-ninth meeting lists convention activities and district officers. It also includes a brief discussion of the word "smorgasbord" and traditional smorgasbord foods.
Qualey, Carlton C. Norwegian Settlement in the United States. New York: Arno Press and the New York Times, 1970.
Qualey describes the role of the railroads in bringing Norwegians to the Midwest and Montana. He tells which northeastern counties contained "Norwegian agricultural settlements" and discusses Norwegian involvement in the mineral industries of western Montana.
Raymer, Robert George. Montana, the Land and the People. 3 vols. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Company, 1930.
A short biography of E. F. Madsen, one of the organizers of the Danish community of Dagmar, is provided in volume three of this set. Dagmar consisted originally of seven Danes who settled on the land as squatters. Madsen was born in Denmark and came to America in 1878. In 1906 he moved to Montana. He was a pioneer, farmer, educator, painter, and writer.
Schuessler, Thelma. History of District Lodge Number Seven, Scandi­navian
Fraternity of America. Butte, Mont, 1962. BPA, Butte.
This booklet gives a brief history of the Scandinavian Fraternity of America, the "consolidation of three orders, namely, the Scandinavian Aid and Fellowship Society, the Western Scandinavian Brotherhood of America, and the Eastern Scandinavian Brotherhood of America, which took place in 1915." The booklet focuses on the history and activities of Lodge Number Seven.
Westman, Erik G., and E. Gustav Johnson, eds. The Swedish Element in America: A Comprehensive History of Swedish-American Achievements from 1638 to the Present Day. 3 vols. Chicago: Swedish-American Biographical Society, 1931.
In the first volume of this series, three pages are devoted to the Swedish immigrants of "Idaho and Montana" with descriptions of the pioneering activities of the Swedish Mission Covenant and Swedish Baptist churches in the latter state. A four-volume second edition of this work was published in 1934.
Youngquist, Erick H. America Fever: A Swede in the West, 1914-1923. Nashville, Tenn.: Voyageur Publishing Company, 1988.
Erick Youngquist came to southwestern Montana after World War I and "staked" a claim. He spent time "building his cabin by hand, chinking in the cracks between the logs as the temperature plunged to -55 degrees, 'proving up' on his claim, educating himself by endless reading during solitary days and nights, [and] earning money by taking summer work on other ranches." Youngquist left Montana in 1923 after gaining title to his homestead.
Journal Articles
Anderson, Avis R. "Pastor on the Prairie." Montana, the Magazine of Western History 24 (1974): 36-54.
This is the story of Christian Scriver Thorpe, a Norwegian Lutheran minister who came to eastern Montana in 1906. The article is based on letters written to Thorpe's family in Minnesota between 1906 and 1908. "They provide an engaging and informative account of Thorpe's struggles and triumphs in his prairie parish at the height of the homestead period."
Arestad, Sverre, ed. "Pioneering in Montana." Norwegian-American Studies 22 (1965): 104-43.
This is a narrative of the pioneering years of Endre Bergsagel, a young Norwegian immigrant who settled near Malta, Montana, in the Larb Hills in 1913. In the story, "he has recorded his experiences in this mixed settlement of Danes, Norwegians, Swedes, and people of other national origins. Some attention is also given to his nomadic existence during his first two years in America, an interesting illustration of the pattern of Norwegian settlement in this country."
Farr, William E. "Sollid Wants to See You: George Sollid, Homestead Locator." Montana, the Magazine of Western History 29 (1979): 16-27.
George Sollid, a Norwegian immigrant who eventually settled in Dutton, Montana, had a flair for promoting land. For twenty-five dollars, he would locate land for homesteaders in the Dutton area. His career lasted from about 1909 to 1913. This is the story not only of Sollid and his successful business in Dutton, but a description of the role of "locators" in the homestead era of 1900-1917 who brought many Scandinavians to Montana.
Johnson, Emeroy. "The Beginnings of Swedish Lutheran Church Work in Montana." Swedish-American Historical Quarterly 35 (1984): 151-61.
This article discusses the origins of the Swedish Lutheran Church in Montana, focusing particularly on the efforts of the Rev. Eric Norelius and the Swedish Lutheran Augustana Synod. An account of the "first Swedish Lutheran services ever held in Montana" is included.
Madsen, E. F. "Dagmar: A New Danish Colony Established in Valley County, Montana." The Searchlight. N. d. Copy in MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
A short, personal narrative concerning the founding of the Dagmar colony in northeastern Montana. Madsen "made a trip through North Dakota and Montana with this in view—to find an open stretch of free land where [he] could place a few hundred Danish homes."
. "On the Pioneer Trails of the Northwest: The Dagmar Colony
in Eastern Montana." Scandinavia (June, 1924). Copy in MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
This article discusses the founding of Dagmar, Montana, including the staking of claims, moving out to the prairie, and the hardships encountered. An account of how settlers were encouraged to come to Dagmar is also provided.
Merrian, H. G. "Ethnic Settlement of Montana." Pacific Historical Review 12 (1943): 157-68.
This article briefly discusses how many Scandinavians were persuaded to come to Montana by "agents" who distributed pam­phlets
in the Scandinavian countries describing the wonders of the state and also contacted immigrants "as they landed." The numbers of Norwegians and Swedes living in Montana in the late 1800s and early 1900s are also mentioned.
Vindex, Charles. "Radical Rule in Montana: The Agonizing Years." Montana, the Magazine of Western History 18 (1968): 3-18.
This article discusses the politics of Sheridan County, Montana, in the 1920s. It was settled extensively by "people of the Scandinavian stocks." In the 1920s, "the town [of Plentywood] and county became widely known as the only American community actually governed by 'reds' who, far from concealing their radicalism, proclaimed it through the columns of a uniquely militant newspaper, the Producers News. " The Scandinavians "already had a tradition of social experi­mentation
together with fine organizing talent."
Newspaper Articles
Bumann, Marcia. "Great Falls History Teacher Receives High Norwegian Honor." Great Falls Tribune (Friday, 28 September 1979).
Erling Oksenholt, a Great Falls high school teacher, received the St. Olaf Medal for "outstanding work in promoting Norwegian education, communication and brotherhood abroad." Oksenholt, a native of Norway, "established the Overseas Summer School Program at Sandefjord, Norway, to give American students an opportunity to study and travel in Norway."
Denning, Fran. "The Settling of Montana Was Not for Pantywaists." Three Forks Herald (Thursday, 16 December 1982): 5.
This article briefly discusses the immigrants who settled Montana. It also includes the story of Bertha Josephson Anderson who, with "her husband Peter and their children, were among the first Danish families to settle close to the North Dakota border. Mrs. Anderson's account of the Atlantic voyage and adjustment to homestead life echoed sentiments of thousands of pilgrims who settled this state."
Donovan, Robert. 'Trip to U.S. Was Clear Sailing, but Farm Life Had Its Ups and Downs." Great Falls Tribune (Saturday, 10 May 1981).
This is the story of Ole and Inga Olson, who came to Montana from Norway. They homesteaded in central Montana, southeast of Grass Range, and eventually had sixteen children. Inga tells of the hardships faced and interesting aspects of their daily lives. "Mrs. Olson baked the family bread supply and this often meant as many as 16 loaves a week plus rolls and cinnamon buns."
. "You'll Be Dead By Morning." Great Falls Tribune (Sunday, 11
January 1970).
Svend Northeim, a native of Norway, came to central Montana in 1895. He relates anecdotes from his life as a sheep herder and working with "large sheep outfits."
Flynn, William. "Story of Peter Haelstrom, Who Killed Giant Bear Near Warm Springs: Reward Was Offered for Animal Which Wrought Havoc Among Cattle and Sheep: Battle With Bruin Cost Swede His Life." The Hardin Tribune-Herald (Friday, 1 June 1934).
This is the story of Peter Haelstrom "only two months from his native Sweden." In 1881, he and two of his countrymen decided to hunt for a bear to win the reward offered for its death. They found the bear, but it attacked Haelstrom who later died of his injuries.
"Order of Vasa to Celebrate Annual Holiday Saturday." The Butte Miner (Friday, 17 September 1926).
This article focuses on the "Butte people of Swedish descent" who joined with "Swedish people in all parts of America in celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of the founding of the Vasa Order of America." The celebration is discussed and a brief history of the Vasa Order is given.
Saunders, Sally. "Anund Roheim Fiddles Around Like the Devil." Great Falls Tribune (1 December 1978).
Anund Roheim, a Hardanger violin master, had been playing for fifty-eight years. Roheim came to the United States from Norway in 1950, eventually settling in Great Falls, Montana. He specialized in folk songs played on his Hardanger violin, the national instrument of Norway.
"Scandinavian Fraternity Has Deep Roots in State." Great Falls Tribune (Sunday, 7 June 1964): 8-9.
. This article discusses the Butte and Great Falls lodges of the Scandinavian Fraternity of America. A brief history of the lodges, their organization, and present activities is included.
Smith, Barb. "Norwegians to Celebrate Independence Day Monday." Bozeman Chronicle (12 May 1982).
The article discusses the activities of the Sons of Norway Bozeman Lodge "Fjelldal (Mountain Valley)," which was chartered on 13 December 1974. One of the annual events is the celebration of "Syttende Mai," the Norwegian Independence Day.
Unpublished Materials
Anderson, Avis R. "Scandinavians and Lutherans in Custer County and Dawson County, Montana." M.A. diss., Utah State University, 1974.
"The purpose of this paper is to chronicle the growth and development of Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive, Montana, from its earliest inception to 1960. It is also to record a portion of the history of First Lutheran Church in Miles City, Montana, in [its] relation to Zion Lutheran. At the same time, it is the purpose of this paper to underscore the importance of the Scandinavian contributions to Eastern Montana through the process of immigration and natural­ization."
"Ethnic groups, Montana, August 2, 1938." MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Statistics such as how many Norwegians in 1930 were of foreign birth and where the Scandinavians settled in Montana are presented in this document. Also discussed are Christmas customs and holidays celebrated commemorating Scandinavian historical events.
Erickson, John E. Papers. MHSL, Helena. Manuscript Collection 149. "John E. Erickson was the Governor of Montana from 1924 until 1933, and a U.S. Senator from 1933 to 1934." This "collection (1883-1958) consists of correspondence, speeches, subject files, scrapbooks, clippings, photographs, and miscellaneous mementos. Topics discussed include various campaigns and elections, the Democratic Party, Helena local history, the opening of Yellowstone National Park, the Custer Battlefield anniversary, Norwegian Americans, and Mrs. Burton K. Wheeler."
"Fraternal Organizations." MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
These documents, included with the WPA reports, provide information concerning Scandinavian organizations in Montana in 1938 and 1939. The information includes officers of the organization, when it was founded, goals, mottos, etc. Organizations discussed include the Plentywood Lutheran Brotherhood, Sons of Norway Lodge (Antelope), Danish Brotherhood (Dagmar), Freja Club (Dagmar), Danish Sisterhood (Dagmar) and the Young People's Society (Dagmar).
Grimsby, O. M. "The Contributions of the Scandinavian and Ger­manic
People to the Development of Montana." M.A. diss., Montana State University, 1926. ^
Grimsby discusses the role of Scandinavians in the development of the state, including their contributions to the mining, lumbering, and agricultural industries. Various biographical sketches of Scan­dinavians
in Montana are provided as well as immigration patterns and the role of missions and churches in the development of the Territory.
Jorgensen, Jorgen. Family papers. MHSL, Helena, Small Collection 178.
"Jorgen Jorgensen was born in Denmark in 1856, and arrived in Dagmar, Montana, in 1908. [The] papers consist of a typed autobi­ography
(written in 1938 and translated by Henry Jorgensen in 1958), a reminiscence (n.d.) by Otto Jorgensen and a diary (1921) of Dagny Elisabet Jorgensen. Dagny Jorgensen's diary describes a threshing crew headed by Thomas Sundsted."
Jorgensen, Niels and Ella. Papers. MHSL, Helena. Small Collection 2005.
"Niels Jorgensen and Ella Jorgensen were Danish-American residents of Dagmar, Montana. [The] papers contain typed and handwritten translations of incoming letters (1916-1956) from relatives in Denmark and the United States. The letters document family history and the history of Danish immigrants in Iowa, Minnesota, and Montana. There is also a translation of a portion of a diary (author unknown) describing a trip to Arkansas in 1895 and to Denmark in 1900."
Kure, Nels. Papers. MHSL, Helena. Small Collection 1757.
"Nels Kure was a resident of Helena, Montana. [The] papers include five letters to Kure family members, three of [which] are in Norwegian. There is also a program for a 'Banquet in Honor of our Soldiers,' Lennep, Montana, 1919, a handwritten play and a poem. There is also a play printed in Danish."
Lutheran Church papers. Microfilm. MHSL, Helena. Microfilm 111.
"This collection (1898-1955) consists of general correspondence, reminiscent letters and short historical sketches and biographies of Lutheran parishes and pastors in Montana. There are also runs of several Lutheran Church publications, and minutes (1922-1955) of the Home Mission Committee of the Rocky Mountain District of the Norwegian Lutheran Church."
Madsen, Niels. "Church histories." MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
These short essays compiled in 1939 provide a history of three Scandinavian churches in Montana; the Norwegian-Dovre Church located near Reserve, Montana, the Emaus Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Coalridge, Montana, and "a short history of the twenty-five years of work among the Lutherans of the Plentywood Parish, 1910-1935." The last document was "copied from a booklet written by Rev. O. M. Simundson, former pastor of this congrega­tion."
Madsen, Niels, comp. "The Dagmar Colony." MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
This is a collection of letters and documents relating to the organizing and settling of the Dagmar community. It includes an advertisement concerning the colony that was "copied from the Searchlight, Culbertson, Montana, Jan. 31, 1907." Some of the letters are by or about E. F. Madsen, one of the founders.
Norwegian-American Oil Company. Records. MHSL, Helena. Small Collection 1047. "The Norwegian-American Oil Company was a Harlowton, Montana oil drilling firm, owned primarily by stockholders from Kristiania, Norway. Records (1916-1919) consist of correspondence, organizational materials, and financial records."
Olsen, Lance. Papers. MHSL, Helena. Small Collection 1926.
"Lance Olsen worked at the Boulder River School and was one of the founders of the Wilderness Psychology Group and the Great Bear Foundation. [The] collection consists of correspondence (1977-1981) about environmental issues; writings (1981) about Olsen's career; and miscellany, including an Olsen-Weiberg family genealogy, and materials (1919-1986) about the Norwegian families of Olaf Olevius Olsen, Ben Benson, and Swan Thorson."
O'Loughlin, Ray. "Sven Undem—Prairie County History." MGBSC-
MSU-Bozeman.
Sven Undem was born in Norway in 1873 and came to the United States in 1892. He lived in Minnesota for a while and then moved back to Norway. He returned to the United States, coming to herd sheep near Glendive, Montana. With his brother Nels, he eventually owned and operated a large sheep ranch. He died in 1939.
"Racial Elements, Montana State Guide." MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
This document discusses Scandinavians who came to Montana after the advent of the railroad. Occupations, places of settlement, and percentages of the "foreign-born" are among the facts presented. Language use, i.e., Danish, Norwegian, etc. in certain towns such as Dagmar is discussed as well.
Rorvik, Peter. "Pete's Story." MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Personal reminiscences of Peter Rorvik, who was bom in Vigra (or Vigero), Norway, and came to the United States (Minnesota) in 1889 at the age of 22 to join his sister, Anna. He moved to Montana in 1893 with his wife, Maria, and daughter, Ella. In 1899 they returned to Minnesota but moved back to Montana in 1900. Most of his life was spent in the vicinity of Circle, Montana. He owned a store for a while and also worked in the sheep industry. He and his wife had six children. Maria died in 1920 and Rorvik remarried in 1939.
Stenson, John Reynolds. "Foreign-Born Population in Montana, 1870-1900." M.A. thesis, Montana State University, 1956. In this dissertation, Stenson includes sections on the "Norwegian, English, and Welsh" in Montana for the years 1870, 1880, and 1890. He discusses the number of Norwegians and Swedes in relation to other ethnic groups and also includes information relating to occupations of the Norwegians and Swedes in Montana.
WPA. Reports. "Scandinavians." MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
These reports take many forms and contain a wealth of infor­mation.
Some are statistical in nature and incorporate data from the U. S. census reports. They list how many Scandinavians settled in certain towns, how many were of foreign birth, states lived in before coming to Montana, occupations, etc. Much of the information was a result of the project, "Scandinavians in the Northwest, 1861-1939." Some of the "reports" are in the form of letters to regional and state directors, which sometimes discuss those occupations that Scandina­vians
were pursuing in Montana. Also included are several "Ethnic Study Questionnaires" concerning Norwegians in Flathead County. Besides the usual queries as to name and place of birth, the question­naires
include information concerning religious affiliation, education, health conditions, aspirations, and goals for children. A summary of the results is included. The information on these questionnaires was gathered by H. L. Lokensgard in 1939. An "ethnic studies" report is among the papers that list ethnic groups by town (Scandinavians), as well as when the towns were founded and who founded them.
Maps
Anderson, Lucille, comp., assisted by Thorvald Anderson. "Nor­wegian
Settlement at Melville, Mont, Founded in 1881," and "Founding Fathers of Melville Lutheran Church, Founded in 1885." MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
This map shows the Norwegian settlement of Melville as well as where the homes of the "founding fathers of Melville Lutheran Church" were located. The back of the map has a short history of Melville, which was "known first as the 'Norwegian Settlement,' but later as The Settlement.'" The community was organized in 1881 by Norwegians from Fillmore County, Minnesota. The establishment of the first Lutheran Church, Ladies Aid, and Sunday School is also discussed. Lists of the "Founding Fathers" and "Families of the Norwegian Settlement who arrived shortly after 1885 and were active in the church" are provided.
Oral Histories
Anderson, Margaret. Interview by Clara B. Heffern, 8 September 1986. Tape recording, MHSL, Helena. Oral History 976.
A resident of Great Falls, Montana, Margaret Anderson describes her Great Falls neighborhood in the early twentieth century and her Norwegian heritage.
Christensen, Minnie Sampson. Interview by Laurie Mercier, 23 October 1982. Tape recording, MHSL, Helena. Oral History 407.
"Minnie Christensen (1899-1987) discusses her work experiences in Sheridan County, Montana, from the 1910s to the 1940s, as a cook, waitress, maid and farm wife. She also describes the Danish commu­nities
and towns of Reserve and Dagmar."
Danish Oral History Project. Interviews by Rex Myers, 1984. Tape recordings, MHSL, Helena. Oral History 633.
"This collection of twelve interviews centers on individuals of Danish descent in Dagmar and Beaverhead County, Montana. Mette Petersen, Henry Crohn, Ingeborg Crohn, Leonora Johansen, Niels Nielsen, Virgil Andreasen, Ella Sundsted, Esther Christensen, Peter Lodahl, Otto Christensen, Axel Madsen, and John Andersen, Jr., discuss homesteading, sheep ranching, social life, Danish communi­ties,
etc.
Fallan, Kristina. Interview by Kathy White, 12 April 1977. Tape recording, UM, Missoula.
"Mrs. Fallan describes her childhood in Norway, her experiences immigrating to the United States, and her work experiences in Montana, including taking out and working her own homestead."
Fjare, Olaf B. Interview, 10 August 1971. Tape recording, MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman. Audio Tape File 905B.
Olaf Fjare describes how he came to Melville, Montana, from Norway in 1899. He worked for Two Dot Wilson, Paul Van Cleve, and the 79 Ranch. He started his own ranch in 1915 and married in 1917. Melin, Gertrude. Interview by Richard Ness, 1966. Typescript.
MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Gertrude Melin, born of Swedish parents in 1891, was raised on a homestead in "the Yellowstone Valley about 20 miles south of Livingston." Melin recalls amusing incidents from her childhood as well as difficulties and hardships endured. She married at the age of 18 and moved to Bozeman.
Smith, Mabel R. Interview by Matthew Hansen, 8 November 1982. Tape recording, UM, Missoula.
"Mrs. Smith describes the school she attended as a child and talks of her training and experiences teaching in Montana. She also describes her childhood in a Norwegian-American family in Mineral County, Montana."
Vontver, May Anderson. Interview by Esther Murray, 1971-1973. Transcript, MHSL, Helena. Small Collection 958.
"May Vontver discusses her early life as a Swedish immigrant in Nebraska in the early 1900s; teaching and homesteading in central Montana; work in the influenza hospital in Lewistown in 1918; and life in the 1930s with her husband Simon Vontver at the Cat Creek oil fields."
WPA Interviews, 1940-1942
The following interviews were conducted by WPA "Resident workers" as part of the project concerned with "livestock histories" of various counties. The typewritten documents are available in the Merrill G. Burlingame Special Collections at Montana State Univer-
sity-Bozeman.
Carlson, Charles. Interview by C. E. Thompson, 6 January 1941. MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Born in Norway in 1855, Charles Carlson came to the United States in 1879. He spent time in Illinois and Minnesota before coming to Montana in 1889. He worked for the Rocky-Fork Coal Company near Red Lodge until 1894, when he filed on a homestead. Carlson raised shorthorn cattle, building his ranch to a significant operation.
Hereim, Osten E. Interview by C. E. Thompson, 17 March 1941. MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Hereim was born in Norway in 1874 and came to Montana in 1892. He worked as a sheepherder near Castle, Montana, and later for M. T. Grange. He purchased a "section" eighteen miles northwest of Red Lodge and in 1901 sent for his Norwegian "sweetheart." Starting with just a few animals, he eventually built his homestead into a sizable sheep ranch.
Homes, Gunder Iverson. Interview by C. E. Thompson, 2 May 1941. MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
A native of Norway, Gunder Homes came to Montana in 1888. He worked in Meagher County for "sheepmen" before homesteading in Carbon County in 1893, soon after the opening of the Crow Reserva­tion.
He eventually owned a large sheep ranch and was considered one of the most "prosperous men of the county."
Hyem, Louie. Interview by C. E. Thompson, 9 October 1940. MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Louie discusses the life of his father, James, who came to Yel­lowstone
County, Montana, from Norway at the age of 14. James worked on a sheep ranch for the Smith brothers for seven years, studied English, and eventually "engaged in the sheep business in Meagher County." He later leased "considerable" land near Red Lodge and proceeded to establish himself as a sheep rancher and farmer, starting "without capital or help." Louie was operating the ranch in 1940.
Inderland, Samuel. Interviewed by C. E. Thompson, 14 March 1941. MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Born in Norway in 1869, Inderland emigrated to the United States at the age of 18. He worked in the Minnesota woods and then "took up farming" in North Dakota. In 1890 he came to Meagher County, Montana. He homesteaded in Carbon County in 1895, fifteen miles northwest of Red Lodge, where there was "plenty" of range. He owned a large ranch on which he raised sheep. Inderland earned the title, "builder of this county."
Northy, Thomas. Interview by C. E. Thompson, 23 October 1940. MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Thomas Northy was born in Sweden in 1865 and emigrated to the United States when he was 16. He came to Montana in 1883 and worked first for the Northern Pacific Railroad. He then worked at various "mining enterprises" before filing on a homestead in Carbon County in 1890. He "built up [a] herd of about 150 head [of] Durham and Hereford cattle." He also produced clover, alfalfa, and grain and kept "about 25 head [of] Percheon breed horses."
Ostrum, Gunder. Interview by C. E. Thompson, 20 May 1941. MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Gunder Ostrum came to Castle, Montana, from Norway in 1893. He herded sheep for several years and then returned to Norway to "fetch" his bride. He came back to Montana and purchased land in Carbon County. He raised both cattle and sheep but mainly involved himself in the sheep business. He also took "an interest that becomes the true American in educational matters."
Peterson, Andrew, Jr. Interview by Elva R. Howard, 1-15 June 1941. MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Peterson discusses his father, Andrew Peterson, Sr., who was born in Denmark in 1857. He emigrated to Montana and found a location for a ranch near Springdale. He raised cattle at first and entered the sheep business in 1898. Peterson also discusses his father's marriage ., and the "children born to the marriage."
Peterson, Andrew, Sr. Interview by Elva R. Howard, 30 June 1941. MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Mr. and Mrs. Peterson were born in Denmark but brought up in Germany when that country took over a portion of Denmark. Peterson describes his early life in Montana "cooking buffalo meat for a gang of railroad construction workers near Forsyth in 1882." He also describes his ranch and his experiences during the winter of 1919-20.
Rudd, Alfred and Mrs. Rudd. Letter to Elva R. Howard, 7-10 January 1942. MGBSC-MSU-Bozeman.
Mr. and Mrs. Rudd, originally from Norway, "describe their experiences in the cattle and sheep business in the vicinity of Big Timber." They came to the Big Timber area in 1881. This document, though in the form of a letter, is included with the WPA interviews. Scandinavian Newspapers in Montana
Bergs-vaktaren [Swedish]. Helena, Mont.: Ev. Luth. St. Johannes Församlingen, 1898-.
Montana Folkeblad [Norwegian and Danish]. Helena, Mont: H. J. Kopperdahl, October, 1891. Formerly: Montana Statstidende.
Montana Posten [Norwegian and Danish]. Helena, Mont: J. Wessel, 1890-1893.
Montana Skandinav [Danish and Swedish]. Butte, Mont.: Scandinavian Publishing Company, 1893-.
Montana Tidende og Skandinav [Danish and Swedish]. Butte, Mont.: J. Hansen, February, 1894.
It was formed by the union of Montana Tidende and Montana Skandinav.
Indlandsposten [Norwegian]. Great Falls, Mont: Norwegian Press Company, 1915-1916.
Indland Posten
[Norwegian]. Great Falls, Mont.: Norwegian Press Company, 1916-1917.
The Rocky Mountain Skandinavian [English]. Helena Mont: Central Mountain Publishing Company, 1920.